Suspect found standing over mother with knife

HAMMOND —A deputy shot and killed a man Tuesday near Hammond in what started as a report of a domestic disturbance, authorities said.

Michael C. Nichols Jr., 48, was found holding a knife and standing over his injured 70-year-old mother, Barbara J. Nichols, inside a home in the 42200 block of Deborah Drive when Tangipahoa Parish sheriff’s deputies arrived about 12:35 p.m., said Trooper Greg Marchand, a spokesman for State Police.

Michael Nichols was shot and killed, although authorities have not yet released details on the number of deputies involved or the number of shots fired.

“All of that is still being investigated,” Marchand said late Tuesday afternoon.

Barbara Nichols was taken to a nearby hospital.

Her status and the nature of her injuries are unknown, Marchand said.

The Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office and State Police remained on the scene late Tuesday, where the Crime Lab is investigating.

State Police will turn its findings over to the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office, Marchand said.